By Peggy Williams, daughter of Paul J. Benziger

Mar. 15, 2017:  Paul J. Benziger of Bronxville, NY, and Bay Head, NJ, passed away at age 89 on March 8, 2017, in his sleep after a short illness. He is survived by Dorothy, his wife of sixty years.

Also surviving are their four children and nine grandchildren: Peggy, her husband, Dick Williams, and their children, Meg, Kathryn, and Robby; Paul Benziger, married to Karen, and Paul's children, Karina and Karl; Peter Benziger, his wife, Katharine, and their children, Todd, Jack, and Sarah; and Richard Benziger, his wife, Reenie, and their son, Jack. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Connellan of Spring Lake, NJ, and numerous nieces and nephews. His brother, Bruno, of Glen Ellen, CA, died in 1989.

Born on February 11, 1928, he spent his childhood in Riverdale, New York. He attended Fordham Prep and Georgetown University. He entered active army service following the outbreak of the Korean War and rose to the level of corporal and assistant chaplain. He was awarded two bronze stars: United Nations Service Medal for Korea and the Purple Heart.

Upon discharge, he joined Park Benziger, a family-owned importer and distributor of wine and spirits, which he ran for 30 years, and retired in 1987. During his business career, he was involved with a number of trade organizations, including the National Association of Beverage Importers, for which he served as chairman.

Paul and Dorothy raised their four children in Bronxville and summered in Bay Head, New Jersey. Paul was involved actively in both communities, most notably as treasurer of Family Consultation Service of Eastchester in the Bronxville area and as a board member, for over 25 years, of the Bay Head Improvement Association in Bay Head. He was a member of Siwanoy Country Club from 1973 and of the Bay Head Yacht Club from 1969.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care, Gramatan Village, or a charity of your choice.

A wake was held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, and a Funeral Mass was held on Monday, March 13, at Saint Joseph's Church in Bronxville.